Governor Kathy Hochul to miss first day of State Fair because of Democratic National Convention

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Governor Kathy Hochul will miss the first day of the New York State Fair because of her attendance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Both the Governor’s Office and her campaign confirm the plans to NewsChannel 9.

Hochul is expected to be in Chicago through Thursday, August 22.

Governor Hochul spoke from the main stage at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, August 19, the same night as President Joe Biden. She touted the president’s CHIPS and Science Act resulting in Micron’s project in Central New York.

Traditionally named “Governor’s Day,” the governor often visits the State Fair on opening day.

Hochul is expected to attend the State Fair on another day of its 13-day run, but her office was not ready to specify a date.

In 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation took effect during the duration of the Fair, so he skipped Governor’s Day. Hochul then visited the following Sunday, August 29, only days into the office.

As Lieutenant Governor, Hochul filled in for Governor Cuomo to cut the ribbon of the 2015 State Fair.

At the time, now-former State Fair Director Troy Waffner said “Governor’s Day is whenever the governor comes.”

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